News Releases

We All Play a Role in Keeping Our Community Safe

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) reminds its residents to stay alert. “If You See Something, Say Something”™ is anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging you to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 for any immediate threats or 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign.

Even a short drive can turn into a dangerous one, especially during severe weather. The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) advises residents to take extra precautions when driving during storms and to also keep an emergency kit in each of their vehicles in case they break down or get stuck during a storm.

It’s one of the simplest and least expensive things people can do around their home and it could save lives. As residents set clocks forward one hour this weekend, Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) urges everyone to change the batteries in smoke detectors and check to ensure they are in good working order.

A majority of Americans have at least one smoke detector in their home, but in 20 percent of those homes the smoke detectors don’t work, according to data collected by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Today’s storms have the potential of producing lightning, high winds, hail and even tornadoes throughout Cook County and much of northern and central Illinois The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch in effect until 10 p.m. CST. Much of the severe weather will occur in the evening, so stay alert for warnings through outdoor sirens, smartphone apps, weather radios, TV, radio and Internet. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning for Cook County with wind gusts of up to 60 mph. Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) offers the following tips to keep your family and property safe:

The City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) are reminding residents to stay attentive during the holiday season. Both departments are stressing the importance of the “If You See Something, Say Something”™ anti-terrorism public awareness campaign, urging residents to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 for any immediate threats or 855-RPRT-2-S4, the official local number of the campaign.

The Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s (DHSEM) Information Security Office (ISO), and Anomali, provider of market-leading threat intelligence platforms, today announced that the DHSEM has launched a collaborative project to support local municipalities in combating cyberattacks. The Cook County Cyber Threat Intelligence Grid (CCCTIG) is designed to strengthen the region’s cybersecurity through shared intelligence.

Cyber Monday can be a welcome alternative to the crowded parking lots, long checkout lines and the general hassle shoppers face on Black Friday. But it is not without its pitfalls. Cyber criminals work hard to trick consumers into divulging sensitive information. But there are basic steps online shoppers can take to remain secure online.

Ricardo Lafosse, Chief Information Security Officer at Cook County’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has tips for consumers who choose to do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their homes:

The Center for Digital Government presented the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management's Information Security Office (ISO) with a 2016 Cybersecurity Leadership and Innovation Award.